When the Walls Are Closing in,

Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),

GiG, let’s cut to the chase, without His strength we too crumble. Without His presence we too panic. Without His Spirit we too wander and wonder and wane.

Whether we find ourselves like Esther recognizing God’s sovereignty and control; Priscilla who lived a life of blessed ordinary, or Mary/Martha whom found life in death; or the obscure bent woman in the Bible who asserted herself and therefore got God’s complete attention, God always shows up with resurrection power.

It was just yesterday that I talked with one of the psychologists (Dr. Eddie) who asked for prayer for his wife, Vian. Would you all please join me in praying for them? Her health has been questionable and doctors are seeking answers in what to do. But yesterday, I could see the concern written all over his face. These past seven months of getting to know him, being trained by him, and being encouraged by him there’s one thing for certain—he’s been a man on mission, living a life on mission for God and by all accounts, with nearly 50 years in counseling has no intention of slowing down. I encouraged him as I encourage us all today—simply trust God’s character over circumstances.

Proverbs 17:22 CEV, reads “If you are cheerful, you feel good.”

GiG, it has been scientifically proven that laughter lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. In short, laughter is good medicine. A spoonful a day just might keep the doctor away. May our cup of joy remain full regardless of our circumstances. Lord, help us find joy this day, tomorrow, and forever as we lean in close. Let us laugh and give praises to the King! In addition, may we be encouraged to grow our ability to accept God’s ways even when they appear strange and confusing. God has a purpose for the situations in which he places us.

The Serenity Prayer that the teens in the Landing recite each week is a poignant reminder to us of this bold truth,

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen

God’s Got It…so we can TRUST—God knows he is our greatest need, and when we have him, we can have faith and courage in the midst of the storm. Courtney Joseph

Have an “Embracing Truth” Tuesday, September 10, 2019—let us laugh and give praises to the King.

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life and Loving My Priorities, Loving My Life